CHAPTER XII.
Of the royal way of the holy cross.
THIS speech seemeth hard to many, Renounce thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus.
But it will be much harder to hear that last word, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire.
This sign of the cross shall be in heaven, when our Lord shall come to judgment.
Then all the servants of the cross shall draw near unto Christ the Judge with great confidence.
2. Why therefore fearest thou to take up the cross, which leadeth to a kingdom?
*In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection against our enemies, in the cross is heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross is joy of spirit, in the cross is the height of virtue, in the cross is the perfection of holiness.
There is no salvation of the soul, nor hope of everlasting life, but in the cross.
Take up therefore thy cross, and follow Jesus, and thou shalt go into life everlasting.